Going for the gold

Special Olympics organizers looking for volunteers for Games in May

Special Olympians will converge on Craig this May to dine, dance and compete for medals in an event the town has hosted for more than 15 years.

"It's just a really neat event," said Julie Fite of the Olympic headquarters in Glenwood Springs. "It's a nice combination of athletes, volunteers and locals."

The 2006 Special Olympics Colorado Western Area Summer Games is set for May 12 and 13 at Moffat County High School. The Craig Kiwanis Club sponsors the event every year.

Fite said Craig residents have always been a big help supporting the games.

"Hotels donate rooms to the athletes, and we can't say enough about the Kiwanis and their support," Fite said. "This year, local law enforcement is helping with the torch run, and we'll be holding the awards ceremony after the competition on Saturday."

Local organizers of the Special Olympics are looking for volunteers to work at the games in Craig. The event will include a Western-theme dinner and an evening dance May 12 at the Moffat County Fairgrounds Pav--ilion.

Bonnie Dalton, who is on the organization committee, has been working to sign up volunteers needed for the event, expected to draw 75 to 150 people from all across the region.

"We had the power lifters come from Cheyenne last year," Dalton said. "We're hoping they come back this year. We also invited track and field competitors from Vernal, Utah."

Dalton gives credit to the volunteers and the Kiwanis members for all the support it takes to put on this event.

"We really appreciate all they do each year," she said. "And we can always use more volunteers."

Besides the power lifting and track and field events, aquatic sports are popular with the Special Olympians.

All the competitive events will take place May 13, with awards presented after lunch.

To volunteer for the games or to donate money for the event, call Dalton at 824-0222.

Dan Olsen can be reached at 824-7031, ext. 207, or dolsen@craigdailypress.com.